04/11/2013 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Hello, welcome to Look North. In the programme tonight: A three`year`old

boy has been killed in a hit`and`run incident in Darlington. We're trying

to piece together what's happened and we're trying to trace any

witnesses in the area. Also tonight. Underwater searches

for an American student who's been missing for five days after a night

out in Durham. Everything must go. Experts prepare

to rescue specimen plants from Newcastle's Botanic Gardens, which

look set to close after 90 years. And they're in the Army now. The

teenage soldiers reunited with their families after six weeks of training

at a special military college. And in tonight's Team Talk. Black

and white delight... Red and white misery! Words of wisdom as the

Magpies shock Mourinho's men with victory at St James'. But the Black

Cats lose their cool against their old boss at Hull.

A three`year`old boy has been knocked down and killed in a hit and

run incident in Darlington in County Durham. It happened this morning,

close to the junction of Falmer Road and Neasham Road in the Eastbourne

Park area of the town. Police have had the area sealed off for much of

the day. Our Reporter Alison Freeman is at the scene. Alison, do we know

yet what exactly happened? Police are saying that witnesses are then

on the ground. It happened in the morning. It happened very quickly.

What we do know, is that the three`year`old boy was walking with

his mother. They turned into another road, and it was there that he was

hit by a car. It failed to stop and the driver left. He died at the

scene. Police are looking for clues to find out who the driver was.

Earlier, I spoke to a local man. He told me what had happened. I heard a

lot of shouting and screaming. I came running out of the house. I ran

towards the top of the street. The little lad plays with my son during

the summer. They played outside my house. Obviously a terrible

incident. Yes. This is a fairly close`knit area. The children play

together. There is a school nearby. It is all but the people here were

talking about. Police are trying to work out what has happened. A car

was removed from the area. This evening, flowers have been laid at

the scene. I spoke to the local inspector, who told me what it had

been like. We are trying to piece together what has happened. We want

to know if anybody saw vehicles acting suspiciously. Police have

told us in the last hour that they have arrested a local man. They

stress that this is still at a very early stage.

The family of an American student missing in Durham for almost a week

say they're hoping against hope he's still alive. Sope Peters hasn't been

seen since a night out drinking last Tuesday. Today his uncle arrived in

the country to help with the search. The hopes are slim, and fading.

Watching the search is Sope's uncle. He's travelled thousands of miles

from North Virginia to be here. It's very difficult. We're a closely`knit

family. Not just his mum, dad and sister. His uncles and grandmother.

Cousins. Both in Nigeria and the States. It's devastating. But we

have a strong faith. We continue to believe. This was Sope's second year

of university in Durham. Students have distributed posters around the

city. So what do we know of his movements? He'd been out drinking in

Durham city centre. He emerged down these steps, onto the riverfront.

He's picked up by CCTV. After that, absolutely nothing. You've got to be

pragmatic. Every likelihood is that he's in the river. We've exhausted

land searches. Extensive CCTV reviews. We can't put him out of

this location. That said, we're still holding on to the hope that

he's safe and well somewhere. The river can be 20 feet deep in places.

Tomorrow, divers will go in. Sope's dad is also on his way from America,

to join the search. People opposed to an underground

nuclear waste store in Cumbria have set up a new pressure group. Back in

January, the County Council brought the search for a site to a

standstill when it voted no, despite the two district councils `

Allerdale and Copeland ` being in favour. But the Government's now

proposing to allow those district councils to act alone. Side by side,

but fiercely opposed. Those for and against continuing with the search

for somewhere to bury nuclear waste in Cumbria ` hoping to make their

voices heard outside the County Council in January. The decision by

county councillors to vote no and pull out of the process overruled

yes votes by Copeland and Allerdale borough councils. But now the

Government wants to change the rules. Its new proposals would allow

borough councils to participate in site searches, without the approval

of the County Council. It's a move that makes more sense for some

politicians in West Cumbria. I think it's allowed the right authority at

the right level to take the decision. But what we can't forget

is that, also included in the consultation, are words like

referendum. It's very clear to me that it's actually given the right

to the local people. Basically, the local authority will just be there

to listen to the community as they already do. They will then take the

final decision. But those who hoped January's vote was binding are angry

about what they say is an astonishingly undemocratic move by

the Government. They've started a new campaign group called The

Cumbria Trust, to try to stop any future nuclear waste repository in

the county. They believe its geology is unsuitable. But the new campaign

hasn't gone down well with the local MP. It's the same old faces with the

same old mistruths. Any campaign against the presence of radioactive

materials and nuclear waste in West Cumbria is a very curious one, given

that 75% of those materials nationally are already there. We

argued very strongly for much greater investment in Sellafield

than the other two. I would remind you that not so long ago the

chairman of the PAC said there is an intolerable risk to people and the

environment. That's here in Cumbria. That's why we want greater

investment in Sellafield. Not less. We are not anti`nuclear. The idea of

burying nuclear waste somewhere under Cumbria appals and appeals in

equal measure. But any decision isn't likely to be made for decades.

Bomb disposal engineers have been searching a house in County Durham

following a firearms incident there yesterday. A 27`year`old man was

arrested at the address in Fulforth Way in Sacriston. He was detained on

suspicion of making threats to kill. Durham Police called in the Bomb

Disposal Unit from Catterick Garrison after officers became

concerned following an initial search of the house.

Campaigners trying to save the Futurist Theatre in Scarborough have

collected 4,000 signatures on a petition, but that might not be

enough to save it. The 92`year`old building, which sits on the

seafront, has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment `

including The Beatles. Scarborough Borough Council says it can no

longer afford to run it. Supporters of the theatre say the town can't

afford to be without it. The Futurist has stirred emotions in

Scarborough. Talk of its closure has seen a fierce campaign, with

protestors today handing the council a petition signed by 4,000 people.

They hope it will persuade the authority to keep The Futurist open,

and invest in its long`term future. We don't have a lot in this town,

and the good things we did have are slowly disappearing. The visiting

productions coming in would be settling for second best, when they

already had the best, and it was closed down! Scarborough without

it... I don't know... It could become another block of flats. It

can't happen. The theatre, on Scarborough's seafront, has played

host to some of the biggest names in showbusiness. Even The Beatles have

played here. Today, though, the council ` who own the building ` say

it's no longer viable. It needs ?7 million spending. Investment which

the council leader told protestors was difficult to justify. We've had

people from far away getting in touch, because The Futurist is close

to the hearts of many people. But there is an issue for the council.

That's sustainability. But I definitely understand where you're

coming from. Scarborough Council says it will consider the petition

carefully. But to make it official, and force a council debate, the

campaigners need 5,000 signatures. All from people living in

Scarborough. At the moment, they don't have that, but say they'll be

working hard to achieve it before the end of the year.

A botanical garden in Newcastle, which has been open for 90 years, is

set to close its doors at the end of this month unless a large amount of

money can be found. Moorbank Botanic Gardens has been leased by Newcastle

University for many years, but they're now pulling out for good. A

friends group has been set up to try to keep the gardens open, but the

landlords ` the Freemen of Newcastle ` say the site has too many

problems, which will cost hundreds of thousands to repair. It's like

Jurassic Park here... You've probably never been here. Moorbank

Botanic Gardens has existed to serve the studentry of Newcastle

University, which pays the rent, and only seldom opens its doors to the

people. But the University has no further need for Moorbank. And

volunteers like Dan Gerrard are facing a future without their

beloved plants. ?? YELLOW The legacy has been going for 90 years. We

would feel devastated if it was ended. The Friends of Moorbank has

been set up to try and keep the gardens open. It claims it will cost

around ?120,000 over the next 15 years. We identified the fact that

we needed a partner to help us. They came in to see if they could take

over the running. They were keen so we arranged a meeting with the

Freemen. But in July, it was made clear that the Freemen didn't want

to have a tenant. But this is where the Friends and the Freemen

disagree. This is a nice facility, but it does require a reality check.

At the end of this month, the Freemen will take the keys, and they

will survey the structures and the land... They'll see what can be

done. Are you not worried that the Freemen are being perceived as the

bad people? ?? GREEN Let's wait until the end of the month. We're

looking at more than ?1 million. If you've never been here before ` as I

hadn't before today ` then you can't fail to be impressed by the place.

It's interesting. There's nothing like it nearby. But you don't have

to look too hard to see that a great deal of money needs to be spent.

We'll find out what the future holds for the gardens at the end of this

month. Coming up soon, Dawn will be joining

me for Monday's Team Talk. And Paul Mooney is ready for launch. The 2014

calendar is on sale. And I'll have the forecast.

Now, they're the soldiers of the future. 16 and 17`year`olds,

training for a military career at the Army Foundation College at

Harrogate in North Yorkshire. For the past six weeks, they've been

getting to grips with living away from home ` then their relatives

were invited in for a family day, to see how the youngsters are coping.

Kate Bradbrook was given exclusive access to the event. They may only

be 16 and 17, but they'll soon be serving their country. These new

recruits are just six weeks into their military training here in

Harrogate, and haven't seen their families since they started. I think

it's great. It's really good for them. It teaches them lots of life

skills. It's a good job. The drills have been the best so far. It's

great to have your family involved. It's funny, especially with my

little brother! He's a little shy, but he's doing all right! Parents

and grandparents were also taught survival techniques by the junior

soldiers, and also got to sample a not`so`enjoyable part of army life.

Ration packs. Eaten during training exercises. We've been here for six

weeks. We've been away from civilian life for ages. It's weird. It's been

strange seeing civilians again, and having random people in my room! But

it's been fun. And speaking of rooms... This is my locker, mum.

This is my drill kit. I was really looking forward to coming down. I've

not seen him for six weeks. Having him text you is really nice, but I

couldn't wait to come down and see him. The recruits are also learning

how to handle weapons. Something they'll get much more practice of in

the coming months. But their training isn't all about the

military. At the same time, they're continuing their education in

numeracy and literacy. In the next few years, they'll become

fully`fledged soldiers. Using the skills they learned right here in

Yorkshire. Good luck to them! And Dawn's

reporting for duty now ` just in time for Team Talk.

Only one place to start and that's with the Premier League's surprise

result of the weekend ` Newcastle's 2`0 victory over Chelsea. Jose

Mourinho's side came to Tyneside on the back of six straight wins, while

the Magpies still had the memory of their derby defeat to Sunderland

fresh in their minds. Yes, I don't think anyone would have predicted

Saturday's result, although St James' Park seems to be a bit of a

bogey ground for Jose, who surprisingly has never won there!

Poor first half from both sides ` Alan Pardew said it was the worst

he's seen Newcastle play this season ` and they certainly struggled to

hang onto the ball. Half the team had played 120 minutes against Man

City in the cup. Chelsea weren't on top form themselves, but John Terry

had a couple of chances which crucially Newcastle kept out. It was

a different story after the break. Yes, as Newcastle upped the tempo

and created chances the atmosphere in the ground started to build as

fans sensed a goal coming. Alan Pardew sensed it too, and is this

managerial brilliance? A word in Yohan Cababye's ear, and moments

later a perfect free kick which Yoan Gouffran stuck in the net. Pardew

probably deserved an assist for that! He certainly beat Mourinho in

the tactical battle. The 'Special One' didn't look too happy ` I

suppose it's a look that suits him, though! And he was even unhappier in

the 89th minute, when some great play by Vernon Anita set up Loic

Remy to score his sixth goal of the season ` the striker running over to

celebrate with a little boy in a wheelchair. It takes the Magpies up

to ninth. And Pardew's taking no credit for the first goal, by the

way! He's got a brilliant shape when he shoots. I told him to whip it in.

He still had to execute it, though, so I don't think I'll get the

assist! He hit it perfectly. It dipped at the right time. Gouffran

is brave enough to put his head on it. It gave us a springboard for a

fabulous day. For all of the staff, all of the fans, and our owner...

We've had a bit of stick. It's nice that we'll all have a spring in our

step, across the city. That's not a feeling shared on Wearside, I

wouldn't think. Having just picked up their first league win of the

season, they just had to build on that, as they went to Hull. But it

was one of those days when just about everything that could go

wrong, did go wrong! There was an ongoing. Even worse than that, this

challenge. It looked a sore one. And this was a no bad challenge. A lot

of red cards. This was even worse. Ambitious foul. The nine men nearly

salvaged a point, with this shot, but it wasn't to be. I have to say

that I'm still very proud of the players. What they did in the second

half... It was probably our best 45 minutes so far. We were in the game

all the time. Vito Mannone was excellent in goal. We needed a few

saves from him. But the rest of the guys did exactly what we talked

about. It's like a clean sheet for me. It's almost like we played a

game of 45 minutes, and kept a clean sheet. Like Sunderland,

Middlesbrough couldn't build on a hugely encouraging result last

weekend. No, they couldn't, although it took a great goal from Blackburn

to spoil Mark Venus' second match in caretaker charge. He came back down

to earth with a bump, although both sides had their chances to take the

lead. Jason Steele at his best to deny Alan Judge. Then Kei Kamara's

header was scrambled away. It was this piledriver, though, from

Blackburn's Jason Lowe, which won it. Pretty good. But no away wins in

the last six for Boro ` just four points above the drop zone. And

defender Justin Hoyte's off to Millwall on loan. There was just one

goal in the rain at Gillingham, where the home side were awarded a

penalty after Carlisle's Danny Livesey felled Danny Hollands. A

third Danny ` Kedwell ` scored from the spot. Both sides finished with

ten men ` Carlisle striker Lee Miller saw red for an off`the`ball

incident. Later, Leon Legge received a second yellow card. German utility

player Max Ehmer today joined the Cumbrians on loan from QPR. At

Victoria Park, Hartlepool earned their fifth win in six games. James

Poole gave Pools the lead. Zavon Hines grabbed the equaliser for

Dagenham Redbridge but Neil Austin's saving tackle denied him a

second. And it was the home side who found the winner with Andy Monkhouse

nodding in. York City twice came from behind to earn a draw at

Cheltenham. Ryan Bowman scored the Minstermen's first equaliser. And

then, after this free`kick curled into the net ` and the referee

over`ruled an offside flag ` it was left to Bowman to pounce on a

defensive mix`up and give York the point that manager Nigel Worthington

thought they deserved. In Rugby Union, Newcastle Falcons lost

heavily to Premiership leaders Saracens. Phil Godman kicked the

Falcons into an initial lead but it proved to be their only score of the

game as a dominant Saracens side, even without six internationals, ran

in five tries to claim a bonus point victory at Allianz Park. And in the

Rugby League World Cup, there was a thrilling end to the second of two

matches hosted by Workington at Derwent Park. With the Italians in

the lead, Scotland's Ben Hellewell rounded off a sublime team move to

make it 30`30 and set up a clash with the USA on Thursday. The

support we've had in West Cumbria has been unbelievable. So we'd like

to thank everybody in West Cumbria. Sensational effort from our lads.

We've won another great game. Nice to end the sport on a happy

note tonight. Ricky Ashworth, the captain of Berwick Bandits speedway

team, has woken up from a coma after 91 days. He's been in hospital since

a crash at Scunthorpe on August second, and will now undergo

intensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Great news, and we

all wish him well in his recovery! Thanks Dawn. Now, the moment has

come to join Paul Mooney ` but not for the weather just yet. Paul,

momentous news you have for us? It comes around quickly. It is time to

launch the new calendar. We have been doing this for ten years and

that is as popular as ever. It raises thousands of pounds for

children in need. Let's take a closer look. It features great

pictures from our viewers. No price increase. If you want to get your

hands on one, you can use your credit or debit card. They are ?6

each. The weather. Tomorrow evening, the

will be showers. It will be drier and clearer in the East. But there

will also be gusty winds. Today, after the frost, we had largely

clear skies and sunny spells through the day. It is going to be another

chilly night. That is not a lot of cloud around. A touch of frost as

well. The cloud begins to thicken up. By the end of the night,

temperatures will have listed `` lifted above freezing. The south

westerly breeze is beginning to pick up. Although most places start off

dry, that cloud and rain will spread eastwards through the course of the

morning and into the afternoon. It leaves us with the mix of sunny

spells and scattered showers. Most of the sunny spells will be East,

and most of the shows will be in the West. Temperatures struggle a little

bit. Nine Celsius best. A gusty wind as well. That takes us into the

evening. Most places will be dry tomorrow evening, if you are going

out to see any fireworks. Watch out for the gusty westerly wind. That is

the pattern for tomorrow. Over the next few days, the persistent rain

stays to the south. The westerly wind continues. If you're out and

about, expect a few heavy showers on and off. Temperatures are into

double figures. Fairly windy as well. It should stay largely frost

free. The will be some decent sunny spells. It could be a little bit

cooler overnight, and the temperatures could struggle a little

bit through the day. Single figures on the cards. Keep up to date with

the website. The hunt is continuing for a terror

suspect who went on the run dressed in a burqa. Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed

was last seen leaving a London mosque on Friday. And police in

Darlington are investigating after a three`year`old boy was knocked down

and killed by a driver who failed to stop. Goodbye.

A family memoir that captured the hearts of millions.

A potter telling stories out of porcelain